King's Indian: 5.Be2 O-O

Before the first move

The King's Indian Defense is a hypermodern battle where White builds a massive center and Black prepares to strike back from the flanks. In this Averbakh-style setup, White develops the bishop to e2 to maintain control and flexibility before committing the king's knight.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This classical opening move claims space in the center and opens paths for both your queen and your dark-squared bishop. It is the first step in establishing a dominant territorial presence.

1... Nf6Black

Black responds with Nf6, the most flexible reply. This prevents immediate central domination and prepares for various setups. While the Englund Gambit with e5 or the Horwitz Defense with e6 are possible, Nf6 is the gold standard for hypermodern players.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4. You are reinforcing your control over the d5-square and preparing to bring your knight out behind the pawn. This 'Queen's Gambit' style push is essential for gaining a space advantage.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... g6Black

Black plays g6, signaling the intent to fianchetto. This hypermodern approach allows White to take the center now, with the plan to attack it later. Alternatives like the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6 are rarer but respectable.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This move puts more pressure on the d5 and e4 squares. By placing the knight behind the c-pawn, you maximize your central influence and prepare to support a future e4 push.

Other paths here: d5 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Advance Variation) · f3 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Alekhine Variation) · h4 (Indian Defense: Anti-Grünfeld, Basman-Williams Attack) · g3 (King's Indian Defense: Fianchetto Variation, Immediate Fianchetto)

3... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7. The stage is set for a King's Indian. If Black wanted to change course, d5 would lead to the Grunfeld Defense, while c5 or c6 would steer the game toward Benoni or Slav-like structures.

Other paths here: d5 (Grünfeld Defense) · c5 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c5) · c6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 c6) · d6 (King's Indian: 3.Nc3 d6)

4. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. You have successfully built a 'Full Classical Center'. This move seizes space and restricts Black's pieces, though it also gives Black a clear target to attack in the upcoming middlegame.

Other paths here: Bf4 (King's Indian: 4.Bf4) · Bg5 (King's Indian: 4.Bg5) · g3 (King's Indian: 4.g3) · Nf3 (King's Indian: 4.Nf3)

4... d6Black

Black plays d6, a necessary stabilizing move. It stops White's e-pawn from advancing further and prepares for the thematic e5 or c5 breaks. Some players prefer to castle immediately, but d6 is the most precise way to handle the center.

Other paths here: O-O (King's Indian: 4.e4 O-O)

5. Be2White · your move

Develop your bishop to e2. This is a modest but very flexible square. It prepares you to castle and keeps the bishop safe from attacks while maintaining control over the g4-square to prevent any annoying pins.

Other paths here: Bg5 (King's Indian Defense: Accelerated Averbakh Variation) · Nge2 (King's Indian Defense: Kramer Variation) · Bd3 (King's Indian: 4.e4 d6 5.Bd3) · h3 (King's Indian Defense: Makogonov Variation)

5... O-OBlack

Black castles, finishing the first stage of development. The position is ripe with tension. Black will now look for the right moment to challenge White's space, while White will likely finish development with Nf3 and prepare for a central breakthrough.

Other paths here: c5 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 c5) · e5 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 e5) · Nbd7 (King's Indian: 5.Be2 Nbd7)

Where you stand

White holds a significant space advantage and will aim to expand on the queenside or push d5 to cramp Black. Black's main plan involves the e5 pawn break to challenge the center and eventually launch a kingside pawn storm. Both sides must balance their central control with the tactical threats that inevitably arise in this sharp opening.

• g1-f3 Develop knight to support the center
• e1-g1 Castle to secure the king
• e7-e5 Strike at the center with e5
• b8-d7 Bring the knight to support e5